206 St Ar
The 206 St Ar is historically linked to the 203 St and 203 Ti Ar, in which Ar-Dehumidifying Technology was first used in 1995. Optimum readability is ensured by a black dial, which also gives the watch a mechanical and instrumental look. To remain as true to the original of the 203 St as possible in other respects, we have also kept the screw push-piece look. Thanks to our D3-System, however, screwable push-pieces are no longer required in the 206 St Ar. This makes the chronograph functions easily accessible and easy to operate. Model 206 St Ar therefore represents a contemporary take on the traditional 203 series, which is reflected in a new diameter of 43 mm rather than 41 mm.Case made of ...
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402 B 52Mondayz, Week #49
When a friend offers you to wear a the luxury sports watch for a week, only a fool will pass on it. Today's 52Mondayz is about the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402.It is not the end of the year yet, but I could not resist the urge to look back on the last eleven months. I managed to spend quality time with quite a few generally beloved and admired watches, including the already reviewed Omega Seamaster CK2913, GMT Master 1675, and the Mido Rainbow Diver ref 5907, that I have yet to review on #TBT. All three watches mentioned were on my radar for some time, so obviously, I took the chance when it came. What I would not have been expecting in my wildest dreams would be wearing the legendary fir...
Fratello Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date With Oxblood Dial
Allow us to proudly introduce the Fratello-designed collaboration watch. This time, we’ve teamed-up with Oris to bring you the Fratello Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date with oxblood red dial. With a festive palette and a heartwarming story behind its creation, it is the perfect watch with which to kick off the holiday season.RJ and his Fratello Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer DateFratello Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer DateRobert-Jan: “It is with great pride that we are introducing the Fratello Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date. This adventure to create a watch together with Oris has been a great experience from start till end. Michael Stockton’s idea of creating a bronze w...
Seiko Prospex "King Samurai" SRPE35K1 and SRPE37K1 Dive Watches
The King Samurai is the latest Seiko Prospex dive watch to receive a serious upgrade. We take a closer look at two variants in the SRPE35K1 and SRPE37K1.It’s hard to believe that the original Seiko Samurai first debuted way back in 2004. These models ushered in a very different look to Seiko dive watches and, by most accounts, they were popular. Therefore, it now seems odd that the line was abruptly cancelled in 2008. Perhaps the world wasn’t ready for these modern style divers that eschewed any retro touches. Fast forward all the way to 2017 when Seiko brought back the Samurai and, due to the line’s confirmed popularity, it seems they’ll be around for the foreseeable...
Union Glashutte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase Hands-On Watch Review
It is not often that we have the pleasure of reviewing a fine timepiece from Glashutte, the cradle of German watchmaking. Too bad, because the place is buzzing with brands worthy of our attention. Swatch Group even has two companies with very similar names. We are reviewing a sports chronograph, the Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase, from the smaller sister's line up.Union Glashutte, just like its big sister Glashutte Original hails from the eastern German watchmaking townGlashutte. They are the only two German brands in the portfolio, with Union more accessibly priced.Union GlashutteNeedless to say, this does not mean that Union Glashutte watches lack quality. On the contrary, they are fine ti...
#TBT Zodiac Sea Wolf 1781W A Highly Addictive Sunshine Watch
Rich, action-spiced brand history and an innovative and kick-ass design you would hardly place being 60 years old. I always wanted to try this Zodiac Sea Wolf, and now, here it is. In its full glory on an original Zodiac-signed JB bracelet. And it came with the box. I am a curious subscriber to the vintage add-ons newsletter by our friends at Hodinkee. Like many of us from Europe who already know that we wont buy anything anyway due to huge import customs fees, I?always open the email in no rush. Three years ago, in March 2018, a full-set Zodiac Sea Wolf 1781B?appeared in the Hodinkee Shop and sold for a stunning $4,500. In July this year,?another piece resurfaced on the Hodinkee Shop for an...
The Fast And The Fratelli Shootout: Massena LAB Uni-Racer Vs. Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321
It's time for a shootout round! This week, the pre-quarterfinal shootout for The Fast And The Fratelli has begun, with Lex and Ben in a blistering fight. Your voting counts, as it decides who drops out ignominiously, and who comes one step closer to the podium. Today, lined up on the grid is the powerful “Ed White” Speedy versus the homage champ Uni-Racer from Massena LAB. This is the Norwegian writing the intro after fueling up the Uni-Racer with a distinct feeling of being the underdog in this race. But let’s fire up the engines, and you, just vote!As always, both editors will be presenting their watch and giving all the reasons why they believe it should emerge victoriou...
The Grand Seiko 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition
You must think I've lost my marbles, surely the Explorer II is a tool watch. Or am I simply on a roll after a well-read article on Explorer I alternatives this week? Well no, and I'll give you my reasons. Unless your daily choice is a vintage Daytona or an 18K white gold AP, the Explorer II is not a tool watch - not anymore. Not for mere mortals anyway. It is a fresh white-dialed GMT watch, perfectly comfortable for traveling, in most cases under an expensive shirt. But even as the underdog it is rather predictable. The Grand Seiko 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition is the sharp alternative. But what about the sensitive Zaratsu polish? Well like the , it's not a tool is it, so I'll welc...
The Top 5 Sternglas Watches According To Rob (2021)
There is a general consensus within the Fratello offices: for the price, you can’t go too wrong with a Sternglas. We all have more expensive watches. Our collections are replete with relative mechanical miracles. The pedigree of some industry legends cannot be matched, of course. But when it comes to a solid, reliable, tastefully designed beater that can carry you from work to the weekend, Sternglas has a raft of decent options.Better still, in my opinion, is how accessible this brand is for budding collectors. Budget is often an issue in the early days of watch collecting, and Sternglas offers an enticing value proposition. In the same way that no serious watch guy or girl will sneer ...
Hands-On With The Perrelet Lab Peripheral
We all know watch brands who use exhibition case backs. Some do this to display especially beautiful or complicated movements. However, some of the beloved entry-level watches do so simply to show the wearer the beating heart inside. Seeing the balance wheel oscillating and the rotor spinning around has captured the interest of many of us, leading us deeper down the rabbit hole of watches. But Perrelet often takes a different approach. In its Lab Peripheral line, a subtle rotor spins on the front of the watch. I had a chance to check out two models from the collection - the Three Hands & Date and Dual Time Big Date.Born of the quest for dynamic design, the front-mounted rotor is Perrelet...
Buy A Breguet Before It's Too Late Pre-Owned Spotlight
Last week, I visited a watch get-together organized by the team from a Dutch watch podcast (Mannen van de Tijd). It was at a private location with a poker table, on which the guests put their watches (some even brought their entire collections). One of the watches that caught my eye was a beautiful 37mm Breguet Tradition 7027 in rose gold.All the guests present agreed that it was quite an impressive piece, and despite all the other interesting watches that were there that day, the rose gold Breguet Tradition was the one that I couldn’t let go of. Lo and behold, I found myself on Chrono24 the next few evenings, searching for a similar-looking model. It showed once more that Breguet is a...
Sartory Billard SB06-12 & SB06-24 Flying Tourbillons
Since its founding in 2015, Sartory Billard has specialized in bespoke, customized watches. The company started by Ludovic Sartory and Armand Billard has been letting clients tweak the dials in its models to their hearts’ content. The results have been stunning, but there have been some limitations, especially on the mechanical front. For instance, if you wanted a tourbillon, you had to go look elsewhere - until now. With the arrival of the Sartory Billard SB06-12 and SB06-24 Flying Tourbillon watches, you can now, together with the brand, compose a unique watch outfitted with a propriety SBTV01 caliber developed and crafted by Comblemine.While looking at the Sartory Billard SB06-12 an...
The Best Watches For Kids
I was slightly over-enthusiastic when my daughter’s first birthday came around. What did I give her? A Flik Flak with Minnie Mouse on the dial. I quickly realized, however, that it doesn't work that way. It took a few more years before she could read the time or understand the concept behind it (which, apparently, she still doesn't, considering she takes all the time in the world to get dressed in the morning on school days…). The first watch that she wanted and could properly use was a digital watch.She first started wearing a Garmin vvofit jr. (Princess edition, mind you). I guess it’s still easier for kids today to read the time from a display rather than decoding the p...
Seiko World Cup Winner: Marinemaster 300 SBDX001
Time is up! The polls are closed, and just like that, this year’s Seiko World Cup has come to an end. You followed along and cast your votes, and we are finally happy to announce the winner. As you know, the victory was snapped up by the fantastic Seiko Marinemaster 300 SBDX001. This classic Seiko diver was the most expensive in the draft, but it is one that punches above its weight in terms of finishing, specs, and heritage. However, there is more to be said about the final match-up and the contest itself.There were a number of upsets along the way. We saw some Seiko classics go out in favor of slightly less obvious choices. Even the final contender, Daan’s SPB317, which went up...
Hot Take: The New Armin Strom Tribute 2 Copper Edition
Since visiting Armin Strom at Geneva Watch Days 2024, I’ve been keeping an eye out for the brand’s newest releases. Today, the Tribute 2 Copper Edition makes its debut, and it’s a gorgeous watch with a beautifully detailed dial and mainplate. Metiers d’Art are a popular trend, and this watch perfectly infuses them.Handcrafted dials aren’t new, but there certainly seems to be an uptick in offerings. From affordable brands to the usual suspects, guilloche and marquetry dials are making headlines. Now the Armin Strom Tribute 2 Copper Edition comes to market with another manual form of decorative finishing. Grattage is the method responsible for the beautiful copper...
New: Czapek Fratello Promenade Transparencies Viridian Green
Following the success of the Czapek Fratello Antarctique Passage de Drake Viridian Green, we knew we wanted to continue working with one of the most exciting brands in Haute Horlogerie. Without further ado, we introduce you to the Czapek Fratello Promenade Transparencies “Viridian Green,” a watch that proudly celebrates its namesake color.Despite being relatively young in its rebirth as a brand, the Czapek name is steeped in rich history. Fran?ois Czapek was one of the greatest watchmakers of the 19th century. At the height of his renown, Czapek had boutiques in Geneva (Quai des Bergues), Warsaw (Faubourg de Cracovie), and Paris (Place Vend?me). You may recognize these locations ...
Hands-On: The Angelus Instrument De Vitesse Indianapolis Blue
During Watches and Wonders this year, the world learned about Angelus's marvelous monopusher chronograph, the Instrument de Vitesse. Now, I must admit, I got a sneak peek of the watch last year. That was the first time I could handle it, and it exceeded my expectations. At the time, one could choose between ebony- and ivory-dial versions (sadly, no pun intended). We only had to wait a few months before the Angelus La Fabrique collection received some Instrument de Vitesse updates. I went hands-on with the new Instrument de Vitesse Indianapolis Blue.I briefly introduced the Instrument de Vitesse in my first article about the model line. A few months later, I received the Indianapolis Blue bef...
Striking New Watches From JLC, Parmigiani, And Bremont
Watches can be striking in different ways. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Mechanica Calibre 362 and the Parmigiani Fleurier L'Armoriale Repetition Mysterieuse are striking watches that sound the time on demand. The Bremont Terra Nova 38 Pink is a field watch that steps out of its comfort zone with an unexpected, striking pink dial.You've seen the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Mechanica Calibre 362, right? Well, probably not in the metal because this ultra-complicated watch debuted a decade ago and combines a minute repeater with a flying tourbillon in an ultra-thin automatic movement that is also ultra-exclusive and rare. The original watch came with a grained silvery-white dial. Here, ...
In IWC Boutiques: Portugieser Chronograph Customization
In a move that should delight customers, IWC now offers a customization program for the Portugieser Chronograph. Buyers can visit a participating IWC boutique and configure a bespoke model, which can be delivered in just three weeks. Plus, new dial colors are available as part of the program.It’s nice to see a large brand like IWC offering customization on a popular model. The Portugieser Chronograph is a great-looking 41mm watch in standard form. IWC will let you craft your ideal combination of case material, dial, and strap for those looking for something special.IWC Portugieser CustomizationAt standalone IWC boutiques, customers can engage in a customization process to create a uniq...
New: Three Ceramic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Models
Blancpain has been hard at work filling out its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe collection. Earlier this year, we saw the introduction of two new ceramic Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantime Complet models. Several months later, we were treated to the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantime Complet Phases de Lune and Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback, both in 18K red gold. In what will most likely be the last expansion of the lineup this year, we see the introduction of a ceramic Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback in blue. Additionally, the brand releases two ceramic versions of the three-hand Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe in green and blue. Let’s find out how they complete t...